Rarely does a matchday come around where the 90 minutes pales into insignificance. You could be forgiven for believing this fixture was one of those. However, after the clear messaging from David Moyes all week; further reiterated by the captain Seamus Coleman, the team were determined to give the Old Lady the send off she deserved. During the week, the manager had to deflect sentimental questions to emphasise their commitment to ensuring three points, against a team who had only two league wins to their name all season – one of those of course against yours truly. Southampton had also won here at Goodison in the third round of the Carabao cup on penalties back in September, therefore the home side had extra motivation to make amends. When 10:45 eventually arrived – after 3 hours or so of bedlam around the stadium – the notable name on the team sheet was Coleman. The skipper led out the eleven including Illiman Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil and Jake O’Brien.
With the atmosphere electric, Everton flew out of the blocks. The ball fell kindly to Ndiaye as McNeil was challenged by the defender; and allowed the tricky winger to run towards the edge of the box. Cleverly using the opponent, he guided the ball with his left foot towards the bottom corner, giving Aaron Ramsdale little hope of denying the fans an opportunity to celebrate a goal once more at the Park end. Coleman departed early in the half to a rousing ovation, seemingly due to injury, and replaced by the departing Ashley Young. Beto thought he doubled the lead – twice, but both goals were chalked off as he stood offside. In reality, especially as the Blues were in front, on-pitch matters were of little importance. The Gwladys Street reached in to the dusty archive and pulled out the iconic chants for Richarlison, Fellaini, Gravesen, Hibbert and more, including a rendition of Super Kevin Campbell as tribute for the late great. Although, on the half, the crowd were catapulted back to the present day as Ndiaye struck again. As McNeil was under pressure once more, the ball slid behind the away side’s defence. Players from both teams stood still, perhaps waiting for the goalkeeper to gather, but the number ten gambled, and was able to intercept and tap it home.
Half time, the fans drank the stadium dry before returning for the last 45 minutes in the mens team’s history. It began to hit home as a few supporters were beginning to fight back the tears. On the field, Southampton enjoyed more freedom as Everton wound down and attempted to shut the game out. Pickford had his moment as he protected the clean sheet with a save, before they hit the post on the rebound. With every second that ticked on, more tears found their way on the faces of the sun-burnt crowd. The Park end had its last goal scoring moment, but the Gwladys faithful were desperate for a final flourish, but it never came. Michael Oliver blew the whistle to signal the end. The end to a 133 year legacy.
As mentioned, the whistle-to-whistle action wasn’t the main event. Fans were welcomed to stay for a ceremony, which included live performances of famous songs such as Spirit of the Blues and a lap of honour for some of the clubs former players. Legends and cult heroes; Ferguson, Sharp, Royle and Southall amongst them, were given a deserved final welcome to the pitch they once owned. Big Dunc could do nothing but shout, arms aloft, ignoring Bellew’s questions, as Rooney was met with a tongue-in-cheek dig for his big-money move down the M62 all those years ago. Each interviewee was initially drowned with a chant, Reid, Cahill, Jagielka, and Baines included. After the all-day party in and around the ground, all good things must come to and end. Everton Football Club (mens) closed its doors for the final time on a victorious, emotional but joyous note. After the small matter of a trip to St James’s Park next week, the team will step on to its new home, hoping to create a new set of forever-lasting memories.
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